
A new documentary film honoring the life of metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio, titled Dio: Dreamers Never Die, made its premiere this week at SXSW. The documentary made its debut on March 17th at the film festival.
As reported by Blabbermouth, Dio: Dreamers Never Die is the first documentary about Ronnie James Dio to be fully authorized by the artist’s estate. The film involves Dio’s wife and longtime manager Wendy Dio, who is acting as executive producer.
Per the movie’s official description, the film “delves deep into his incredible rise from ’50s doo-wop crooner to his early classic rock days in Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW, to replacing the iconic lead singer Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH, to finally cement his legend with DIO. Ronnie’s biography is completely unique to the tired sex, drugs and rock and roll clichés. The film is about perseverance, dreams and the power to believe in yourself.”
Dio is considered one of the greatest vocalists in heavy metal history. Contributing his talents to Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, Elf, and his Dio project, Ronnie James Dio embodied the heavy metal spirit of creating epic music. In his time with Black Sabbath, Dio helped to create the studio albums Heaven and Hell (1980) and Mob Rules (1981). Under his Dio project, he released 10 studio albums, starting with his 1983 debut Holy Diver.
Dio passed away on May 16th, 2010. He was 67 years old. Prior to that, he made what would end up being his final public appearance at the Revolver Golden God Awards in April of 2010.
There is currently no release date for the documentary film. But when Dio: Dreamers Never Die does get a release date, will you be watching the movie?
Did you ever have a chance to see Dio perform? What are some of your favorite Dio related songs and/or albums?
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Words by: Michael Pementel